The Coalition Government’s revised fibre to the node plan for the National Broadband Network has altered the operating environment for industry players. For this reason, industry research firm IBISWorld has updated its report on the Fibre Optic Cable Installation industry in Australia.

IBISWorld Market Research

The National Broadband Network is driving industry growth.

Melbourne, Australia (PRWEB) July 14, 2014

The Fibre Optic Cable Installation industry continues to be one of the fastest growing industries in the Australian economy. Growth has been driven principally by the commitment of successive federal governments to invest into building telecommunications technology for the coming decade through the National Broadband Network (NBN). The objective of the NBN is to provide all Australian households, businesses and government agencies with a technologically advanced communications platform through which to access internet-based entertainment and data transfer. IBISWorld industry analyst Anthony Kelly states “Through the creation of NBN Co, the Federal Government single-handedly created a boom in the industry.” Over the five years through 2014-15, industry revenue is forecast to record accelerated growth of an annualised 50.1%, to total $2.5 billion. The pace of industry expansion is projected to remain strong during 2014-15. Revenue is projected to climb by 28.9% as the NBN rollout shifts across to the Coalition Government's new fibre to the node (FTTN) plan instead of the original, and more expensive, fibre to the premises (FTTP). Industry employment is projected to surge by an annualised 38.5% over the five years through 2014-15, and the number of contracting businesses is expected to climb by 9.2% annualised to 540 establishments.

NBN Co was established in 2009 to build a new national telecommunications network, and to sell space on this network to retail communications companies. Tier-1 Contractors are assigned the responsibility of rolling out the network in specific states/regions, and these firms in turn subcontract work to smaller specialist installers. The major contractors are currently involved in the engineering design, procurement and installation of the optic fibre cable network, with maintenance and repair activity expected to grow in significance as the network is completed. According to Kelly, “The industry is projected to climb to a peak level of activity over the next two years, driven by increased investment into the NBN rollout.” The industry will continue to operate at high levels of activity, despite some deterioration in performance from 2017-18 onwards as the rollout is completed.

The demand dynamics at play in the Fibre Optic Cable Installation industry mean that it there is a medium level of market share concentration. The bulk of industry activity is generated by the NBN project and the contracts are principally let to Tier-1 Contractors, including major players Leighton Holdings, Transfield Services, Downer EDI and Silver Stream.

About IBISWorld Inc.
Recognised as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every Australian industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Melbourne, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organisations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com.au or call (03) 9655 3886.